Engineer II

Summary

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the position of Engineer II.

The person in this position works under the supervision of a Product Line Manager to produce or help produce timely, accurate, quality reviews and approvals of building and land use development projects, including County-initiated comprehensive reviews of mining operations. Working in a collaborative manner, Engineers work with a higher degree of independence. They apply their engineering and project management experience to review a variety of permit types ranging from small site projects to complex commercial projects. This position may include review of ancillary permits such as conditional use permits, variances, adjustments, right-of-way use permits, boundary line adjustments, Plats, legal lot reviews and grading permits.

This position is responsible for carefully reviewing permit application plans and technical documents, working cooperatively with others in the department and other agencies, and writing technical permit, approval documents that are concise and accurate. An essential part of the job is to work in a positively solution-oriented manner with customers, their design/engineering professionals, other members of the public, and co-workers. Some presentations to the public, and other agencies may be required on a periodic basis.

About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.

To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website at King County Permits.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work.  Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose.   Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

Job Duties

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As an Engineer II, you will: 

• Act as review engineer for assigned projects, to ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards. These may include surface water design, roadway design, flood plain analysis, survey review of boundary line adjustments or final plats and related site development standards; conduct related research and prepare staff reports/decisions.  
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflect well upon King County, the department, and the incumbent while exhibiting and supporting a culture of superior customer service; to the extent possible, help customers find the correct pathway to achieve their goals.
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others. 
• Work cooperatively with others in the department and other agencies to resolve permit- and process-related issues, including those related to compliance with King County Road Standards, survey review of final plats or boundary line adjustments and the King County Surface Water Design Manual.  
• Review / approve storm water and transportation engineering designs for assigned work projects. 
• Review and as needed, author concise and accurate permit language, technical documents and staff reports that are consistent with applicable codes, laws and policies as assigned by the Product Line Manager.  
• Research and evaluate environmental data and/or environmental remediation reports prepared by external sources to determine compliance with County requirements; approve plans and specifications for construction.  
• Inspect the construction, maintenance, and compliance of specific projects. 
• Participate in the review and evaluation of complicated plans and specifications, survey documents pertaining to Plat reviews and boundary line adjustments.  
• Be responsible for the technical quality assurance of policies, procedures and standards for assigned technical discipline.  
• Make presentations to community groups and the public on projects.  
• Plan, develop and implement survey methodology for plats, short plats, and boundary line adjustments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering; or any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating knowledge of engineering principles and site design such as surface water hydrology, soils, traffic, survey, and road geometrics.
• Applied knowledge of a surface water design manual used by a government.  
• Applied knowledge of road standards used by a government. 
• Applied knowledge of survey standards for plats, short plats, and boundary line adjustments 
• Demonstrated skill in researching survey documents and making recommendations, conclusions, and decisions on these documents.  
• Experience in using common desktop workflow tools, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office Suite:  Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.  
• Proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving, resolving conflicts and bringing others to consensus.  
• Demonstrated competence in applying project management principles and practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentations to Hearing Examiners, legislative bodies, and the public.  
• Skill in providing excellent customer service.  
• Skill in handling multiple competing priorities and producing quality detailed working within tight timeframes.  
• Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Knowledge of survey techniques.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in local government permit processing and regulations, or experience in roadway and storm water design and construction.  
• Knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles. 
• Knowledge of electronic review of construction documents.  
• Ability to use permit processing software. 

Requirements: 

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination. 
• Physically able to traverse by foot through densely wooded terrain and steep inclines in all weather conditions. 
• Must be able to lift 20lbs.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.

Engineer II

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.